Unlike men, women go through a biological process that ends their ability to reproduce. This phase is called menopause. Menopause is generally complete by your late 40s or early 50s. During your reproductive years, your ovaries produce two primary hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which play an important role in your reproductive system. Menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms due to low progesterone. Some women choose hormone replacement therapy to ease menopausal symptoms.
Progesterone Importance
Progesterone, along with estrogen, helps your body prepare for and maintain pregnancy during your reproductive years. Progesterone levels are highest during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. The luteal phase starts the day after ovulation and generally lasts 12 to 16 days. This phase is important to conception, which is why hormone levels rise. Short luteal phases are associated with fertility problems. During menopause, your menstrual cycle comes to an end and your progesterone levels decline.
Progesterone Deficiency
Your adrenal glands, two small glands that sit atop your kidneys, produce hormones, most commonly cortisol, which is your body's primary stress hormone. Your adrenal glands produce a small amount of progesterone; however, it is generally not enough to ward off the low progesterone symptoms associated with menopause. The most common progesterone deficiency symptoms associated with menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleeping difficulty. It is these side effects that cause some women to seek medical treatment.
Progesterone Replacement
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a treatment option for progesterone deficiency. Your doctor can prescribe progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone. It is commonly combined with synthetic estrogen to replace some of what your body no longer produces. This eases some menopausal symptoms, particularly vaginal dryness and hot flashes. However, long-term HRT is no longer recommended due to increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. HRT is an individual decision. If you are interested in replacing your progesterone, talk to your doctor about the risks.
Natural Progesterone
Due to HRT risks, natural progesterone, which is made from phytohormones, or plant hormones, is marketed as a natural and safe HRT alternative. However, as of 2011, there is no clinical data to show that plant hormones are safer than synthetic hormones. Plant hormones exert weak hormone-like activity, according to Tulane University; however, it remains unclear if plant hormones will work the same way in your body as the hormones your body makes. If you are interested in natural progesterone, consult your doctor first.
